She's been getting medical marijuana legally for him from out of state.

"We are now giving Ryan the quality of life we hoped and dreamed for, but we never and truly imagined," Briggs said. "Today our family rejoices to getting one step closure to implementing this medical cannabis program."

The medical marijuana industry could be good for the local economy.

Growing operations will soon get underway in McKeesport. The city of Greensburg recently approved plans to open a dispensary, which is where patients get the drug.